| I hear from CCNA and CCNP candidates every day, | | | | not to buy an ISDN simulator now, the 2520 gives |
| and the most common question is "What routers and | | | | you that opportunity for future home lab growth - |
| switches should I buy for my home lab?" There is no | | | | and "planning for future growth" is important when it |
| one right answer to this question, since every test | | | | comes to your home lab as well as production |
| candidate has a different budget. There are also | | | | networks! |
| CCNA candidates who want to go on to the CCNP | | | | 2520s are also remarkably affordable. Check your |
| and want to know what routers and switches are | | | | favorite online auction site for prices. You may also |
| best for future study. Again, there's no one right | | | | want to search on the phrase "frame relay switch". |
| answer, but there are routers that fit every budget | | | | I know that getting started on your Cisco home lab |
| and every study plan - and the Cisco 2520 router is | | | | can be a little scary, but it's a vital part of being |
| the king of home study labs. | | | | totally prepared to pass the CCNA and CCNP exams. |
| The 2520 has four serial ports, one ethernet port, | | | | Hands-on work is imperative in learning any skill - |
| and a BRI port. You can use a 2520 as a frame relay | | | | after all, great chefs don't learn to cook on kitchen |
| switch, and still have ports to spare to practice | | | | simulators! Visit online auction sites and used Cisco |
| routing protocols and directly connected serial | | | | equipment resellers and see what's out there - and if |
| interfaces. I know ISDN home simulators are still | | | | you're wondering where to start, the 2520 is a great |
| expensive if bought new, but you can get a used | | | | way to start building your own Cisco home lab! |
| one on eBay and go from there. Even if you choose | | | | |